NCC Denies Approving New Telecom Tariff Hike

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied reports making the rounds online that it did approved new tariffs for mobile network operators.

Some blogs over the weekend published reports with screaming headlines such as; ‘Nigerians to Pay More for Calls as NCC Approves New Tariff Plans for Telcos’, ‘Nigerians to Pay More for Calls As NCC Approves New Tariff’, ‘NCC Reportedly Okays Tariff Hikes for Telcos’.

However, the commission, through its verified X handle, debunked the news, thus,

“The NCC has neither approved any new Telecom Tariff Plans nor hike as reported on online. The public is advised to please disregard.

“NCC issued a directive for all operators to simplify their current tariff plans in a transparent & fair manner for consumers”.

Recall that telecommunications companies in Nigeria have been pushing for upward review of tariffs for voice, SMS and data services.

The telcos said it is due to the need to mitigate the challenging economic environment currently facing the sector.

The last time there was a tariff review for the telecom sector was 11 years ago, in 2013.